George (Snowy) Howell

Full name:
George Julian Howell, VC, MM
Born:

Enfield
NSW
Australia
Died:

Perth
WA
Australia
Occupation:
Bricklayer
Fate:

Repatriated to Australia and medically discharged

Highest rank:
Staff Sergeant
Enlistment:
Decorations/ commendations:
Victoria Cross (VC), Military Medal (MM), World War I service medals, World War II service medals, Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal (USA), Merchant Marine Victory Medal (USA), Coronation medals
Service:
Australian Imperial Force
Conflict:
World War I 1914-1918, World War II 1939-1945
Military event:
Battle of Arras 1917, Battle of Leyte Gulf 1944, Battle of Pozières 1916, Battle of the Somme 1916, Gallipoli Campaign 1915, Second Battle of Bullecourt 1917, Western Front 1916-1918
Unit:
1st Australian Infantry Battalion AIF, Eastern Command Headquarters, United States Sea Transport Service

Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. Seeing a party of the enemy were likely to outflank his Battalion, Corporal Howell, on his own initiative, single-handed and exposed to heavy bomb and rifle fire, climbed on to the top of the parapet and proceeded to bomb the enemy, pressing them back along the trench. Having exhausted his stock of bombs, he continued to attack the enemy with his bayonet. He was then severely wounded. The prompt action and gallant conduct of this non-commissioned officer, in the face of superior numbers was witnessed by the whole Battalion and greatly inspired them in the subsequent successful counter attack.

[1917 'Government Gazette Proclamations and Legislation', Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National: 1901-1973), 11 October, p 2661, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232449755.] 


Last updated:

Cite this page

DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) ( ), George Julian Howell, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 11 May 2026, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/stories/biographies/george-julian-howell
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